Optimization method for mount layout and mount specifications of vehicle sub-frame

Abstract The purpose of this study is to develop an optimization method for designing the mount (vibration insulator) system of a vehicle sub-frame (engine cradle), using modal analysis and sensitivity analysis in general viscous damping. Designers have to balance the contradictory performances (ride comfort, driving stability and driveability). Hereby for the performance of idle vibration, the design parameters (mount layout, stiffness damping) are optimized with an elastic body model, considering frequency dependence of mount characteristics. Furthermore, it is proved by experiments that the proposed method is effective in the early design stage.